Arlington – Today, State Representative Chris Turner received the endorsement of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). This endorsement comes just weeks after Turner was named “Freshman of the Year” by both Texas Watch, a pro-consumer group, and the bi-partisan Legislative Veterans Caucus. Combined with these recognitions and the Turner Campaign’s impressive fundraising — the campaign already has over $100,000 in the bank — the CLEAT endorsement is the latest indication that Turner begins the 2010 election cycle with strong support and momentum.

“During the 81st Legislative Session, Chris Turner stood by Texas police officers and never stopped working on our behalf,” said Charley Wilkison, CLEAT Political Director. “Now we are standing strong with him during his bid for re-election in 2010. We need Chris Turner to remain in office to continue to be a strong voice for the law enforcement community in Southern Tarrant County and across our state.” With over 15,000 members across Texas, CLEAT is the largest police officers’ association in the state.

“I am honored and humbled to have received CLEAT’s endorsement,” said Turner. “Since I was elected, I have made it a priority to work hard for the families of Southern Tarrant County, including the men and women who protect our families and our communities day in and day out.”

Turner joint authored legislation requiring homeless sex offenders to register with local law enforcement once every two weeks. Oftentimes sex offenders evade registration by claiming to be homeless in order to live in locations prohibited by their sentence, including in the home of their victim. This legislation will aid in protecting families and children from dangerous sexual predators. He also authored legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography found during the course of their job duties. This measure had strong support from law enforcement and passed the House, however it failed to pass in the Senate.

Turner was elected in 2008 to serve Southern Tarrant County’s House District 96, which includes Crowley, Kennedale, and portions of Arlington, Burleson, Mansfield, and Fort Worth. During the 81st Legislative Session, Turner was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Urban Affairs and the House Committee of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.